PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Chris River (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shinji Tainaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). River comes to the cage accompanied by A Country Boy Can Survive. Tainaka has chosen BATTLE FUNKASTIC as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

River
vs
Tainaka

172 cm
24
155 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

170 cm
25
157 lbs
15 - 7 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Rivers Edge Nutrition

•‡• LION Clothing •‡• [CBK]
•‡• LION Clothing •‡• [CBK]

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chris River!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Shinji Tainaka!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, John Roberts and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
River pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Tainaka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from River.

Tainaka shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. River is trying to defend but Tainaka finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Tainaka wants to work for an arm triangle but River is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
River is not content to let Tainaka control the position.

River actively working from the bottom here.

Tainaka seems to be working for a kimura but River defends the submission attempt.
Tainaka moves nicely into side control.

Tainaka looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tainaka looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Tainaka staying calm.

Tainaka tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
River is looking for a sweep.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Tainaka working away.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Tainaka working the body and head with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Tainaka lands a nice forearm strike.

Tainaka is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. River knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
River regains half guard.

Tainaka seems to be looking for submissions.
River is refusing to be controlled, as Tainaka sits in half guard.
River wants to get back to full guard.
Tainaka slips a nice elbow through River's hands, connecting with River's forehead.
River is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Tainaka's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Tainaka's back!
Tainaka tries to break free.
Tainaka is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
River lands with a hammerfist to the side of Tainaka's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
I really don't envy Tainaka right now.

Tainaka showing good submission defense here.

River is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Tainaka is defending well though. River let's go of the attempt for now.
Tainaka just looking to survive in the bad position.
River doesn't have the hooks in and Tainaka manages to turn into his guard.

River has his foot on Tainaka's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Tainaka works his way back into a safe position though.
Tainaka working some strikes from top position.
River is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Tainaka looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tainaka looks gassed!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Tainaka is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but River pulls his head out easily.
Tainaka keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
River not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Tainaka is looking to control River's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tainaka avoid being mounted?
Tainaka on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Tainaka slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
River looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Shinji Tainaka will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tainaka shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has River pinned against the cage. River gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Tainaka fakes high and swings low for a body shot but River manages to avoid it.
River wants to clinch.
River ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tainaka stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from River.
River thows a body shot but no joy.
Tainaka shoots in for a double leg but River sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River thumps Tainaka with a low kick.
River chopping away at his opponent's legs.
No luck for Tainaka with that takedown attempt.
Chris River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tainaka.
River lands a nice looking body kick.
Tainaka is breathing heavily.
River misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River scores with a leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
River stalling against the cage.
A short uppercut from Tainaka.
River with a knee to the head.
River blocking some punches.
River utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
River is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tainaka changes levels and goes for a takedown here. River fights it off and pushes away nicely.
River lands with a slapping head kick.
River lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Tainaka shoots for a takedown but River saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
River with a jab.
River dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tainaka takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Tainaka takes a kick to the side of the head.
River lands a high kick!
Chris River is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
River ducks under a wild hook from Tainaka.
River lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
River takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Tainaka misses with a straight right.
River lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
River sizes up Tainaka with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
River buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tainaka takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head kick from River lands but Tainaka takes it in his stride.
A good leg kick by River.
River tries to clinch up.
River walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
River takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
River scores with a leg kick.
River thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Tainaka if he has to take too many more of those.
A slapping leg kick lands for River.
River is looking to clinch.
A head kick from River lands but Tainaka takes it in his stride.
A solid leg kick lands there for River.
River throws a quick inside leg kick.
River scores with a head kick. Tainaka tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
A good leg kick by River.
River tries to close the distance and clinch but Tainaka swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
River scoring well with a low kick there.
River throws a head kick but Tainaka moves out of range.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from River - that will leave a mark!
River lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tainaka throws out a loose jab but River uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River throws a head kick that misses.
Good shot there by River.
River fakes the leg kick and cracks Tainaka in the body.
Tainaka misses with a hook. River ducked under it nicely.
Tainaka takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
River lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
River lands a high kick!
A jab lands there for Tainaka.
River throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
River cracks Tainaka with a good jab.
River feints and then cracks Tainaka's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tainaka down.
River connects with a looping right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tainaka shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says River as he avoids it easily.
Tainaka walks into a left hand.
Tainaka's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

Tainaka gets tackled into the cage by River. River maintains the clinch.
Tainaka managing to block the knees to the body from River.
River lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

River lands a high kick!
Tainaka takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
River scores with a jab.
River is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
River cracks Tainaka with an open hand slap.
A solid leg kick lands there for River.
Tainaka shoots in looking for a takedown. River tries to sprawl out of it but Tainaka keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. River manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tainaka has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from River.
River blocks a jab.
River thumps Tainaka with a low kick.
Tainaka loads up on a big right hand but River slips the punch.
Tainaka takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
River tries to clinch but Tainaka moves out of range.
Nice body kick from River.
River lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
River throws a head kick that Tainaka semi-blocks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tainaka.
A nice inside leg kick there by River. That's going to slow Tainaka down.
Tainaka has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by River.
Tainaka looks for a takedown but River sprawls well.
River delivers a nice body kick.
River connects with a leg kick. Tainaka looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A slapping leg kick lands for River.
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A slapping body kick lands there for River.
River scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tainaka on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by River. River obviously looking to wear him down.
River connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

River moves into the clinch.
Nice elbow from River.
Tainaka takes an elbow to the forehead.
River putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Tainaka in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
River taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Tainaka avoiding damage as River throws knees to the body.
River blocking some punches.
River is pressed up against the cage. Tainaka has hold of a leg and is looking to drag River down to the mat. River avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Chris River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tainaka.
Nice uppercut lands for River. That snapped Tainaka's head back.
River scores with a kick to the midsection.
A nice leg kick lands there from River.
Tainaka on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
River scores with a sloppy right hand. Tainaka should have avoided that one.
River throws a head kick that half lands.
Tainaka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice body kick from River.
River turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
River lands with a slapping head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tainaka sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
River lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
River lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Tainaka backs up against the cage.
River defending well as Tainaka loads up on a big left hand.

River clinches.
Tainaka throws a head punch that misses.
Tainaka avoiding damage as River throws knees to the body.
River lands an elbow inside that Tainaka shrugs off.
River lands a body shot in the clinch.
River is pressed up against the cage. Tainaka has hold of a leg and is looking to drag River down to the mat. River avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
River is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tainaka can do to turn this around?
Tainaka takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
River scores with a three punch combo!
Tainaka avoids the head kick by River.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tainaka has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from River.
River pushes Tainaka away with a front kick.
River buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tainaka takes a kick to the side of the head.
River connects with a leg kick. Tainaka looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Tainaka fails with a takedown attempt.
Donk. River catches Tainaka right on the button with a cross.
River lands with a kick to the temple. Tainaka shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Tainaka throws a lazy right hand but River sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Tainaka swings and misses with a shot to the body
and River counters with an outside leg kick.
River wants to clinch.
Nice defenses there by River.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tainaka punishes River's body with a nice straight punch.
Tainaka takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
River misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
River pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

River lands a head shot.
Tainaka misses with a takedown
and River counters with a stiff right hand.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by River.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A left lands for River.
River lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tainaka's sensitive parts.
River throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Tainaka.
River moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tainaka throws a leg kick
and River counters with an inside leg kick.
Tainaka takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
River connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
River scores with a decent looking hook.
Tainaka is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
River chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Tainaka tries to clinch but River is having none of it.
River throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
River with a nice cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
River throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Tainaka tries to keep at a distance but River has taken the fight into the clinch.
Tainaka blocks an elbow strike from River.
Tainaka has a couple of punches blocked by River.
River lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tainaka backwards.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Tainaka tries to score a body lock takedown but River shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
River lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tainaka or not.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
River works on Tainaka's body with a couple of short punches.
River scores with a shoulder strike.
River misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Tainaka.
River wants to stall.
Nice elbow from River.
River prevents a body shot from Tainaka.
River lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tainaka backwards.
Knees in the clinch landing for River.
River creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tainaka's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River lands a body shot in the clinch.
Tainaka managing to block the knees to the body from River.
River lands an elbow inside.
River unloads a knee to the mid-section.
River lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
River wants to stall.
River unloads a knee to the mid-section. Tainaka lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tainaka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Nice elbow from River.
River lands a damaging elbow.
River lands an elbow inside that Tainaka shrugs off.
Nice elbow from River.
River crunches a lovely knee into Tainaka's ribcage.
River looking to slow down the pace here.
River slows down the pace here.
Tainaka takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tainaka has River pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. River manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Chris River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tainaka.
River is trying to stall.
River is pressed up against the cage. Tainaka has hold of a leg and is looking to drag River down to the mat. River avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
River lands with a hook. Tainaka tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A thudding body kick lands there by River!
River doesn't manage to clinch there - Tainaka circles away.
Tainaka has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
River thumps Tainaka with a low kick.
River throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Tainaka's head.
Tainaka shoots for a takedown but River saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
River thows a body kick. Tainaka tries to catch it but that hurt him.
River cracks the inside of Tainaka's front leg.
Tainaka takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
River slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Tainaka takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
River scores with a head kick. Tainaka tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.
River throws a head kick but Tainaka moves out of range.
Tainaka keeps the fight on the outside.
Tainaka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Tainaka shoots for a takedown but River saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
River connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Tainaka takes a kick to the side of the head.
River wants to clinch.
River throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
River lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tainaka has a takedown stuffed.
River scores with a spinning back kick!
River tries to clinch up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris River had his way with Shinji Tainaka in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

River scores with a leg kick.
River scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
River scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
River thows a body kick. Tainaka tries to catch it but that hurt him.
A low kick from Tainaka misses
and River counters with a nice leg kick.
Tainaka fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. River looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
River throws a head kick that misses.
River scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
River thuds his shin into the meat of Tainaka's side.
River fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tainaka.
Good leg kick by River there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
A nice leg kick lands there from River.
Tainaka is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
River turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
River is looking to slow Tainaka down with leg kicks.
A jab from River does it's job there.
River throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tainaka misses with a wild combination.
Chris River is winning the standup battle so far.
Tainaka swings for the body but River moves out of range.
River fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
River throws a leg kick which misses Tainaka's front leg but catches the back leg as Tainaka tries to avoid it.
Tainaka takes a head kick and keeps coming.
River tests Tainaka's chin there with a solid looking shot.
River thuds his right hand into Tainaka's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Tainaka drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
River fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tainaka.
That kick from River tenderised Tainaka's leg. Tainaka is trying to keep his angry face on.
A head kick from River lands but Tainaka takes it in his stride.
Tainaka takes a shot right to the bread basket.
River throws a nice head kick!
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tainaka.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
River thumps Tainaka with a low kick.
Tainaka throws a big shot that misses.
River defending well as Tainaka loads up on a big left hand.
A slapping leg kick lands for River.
Tainaka goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
River moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
River throws a nice head kick!
An inside leg kick lands from River.
Shinji Tainaka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tainaka circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tainaka tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Tainaka on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
River cracks Tainaka with an open hand slap.
River connects with a high kick.
River lands a jab to the head.
River changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
River throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick from River.

Tainaka forces River back against the cage and clinches.
River creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tainaka's defenses.
River gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tainaka has a couple of punches blocked by River.
Tainaka takes a knee right on the jaw!
River displaying some good clinch control by pressing Tainaka up against the cage.
Tainaka goes for a takedown in the clinch but River prevents it.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
River's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
River lands a good knee to the midsection. Tainaka won't want to take too many of those.
River working Tainaka over with knees to the body.
River lands a nice knee to the body.
Tainaka takes an elbow to the forehead.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
River softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
River lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
River creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tainaka's defenses.
A nice right hand lands inside from River.
River creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tainaka's defenses.
A right hand to the body from River.
River lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Tainaka working aggressively here.
A nice right hand lands inside from River.
River lands a nice elbow.
River trying to control the position but instead, Tainaka has worked for underhooks and has pushed River into the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by River as Tainaka tries to tie him up.
Chris River is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tainaka misses with some punches.
Tainaka drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Tainaka is trying to stall.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chris River showed his dominance in that final round.
I think River has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 49:44
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 49:44
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 49:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris River!
Chris River retains his featherweight title!